A Bard of Wolfe’s Army A Bard of Wolfe’s Army James Thompson, Gentleman Volunteer, 1733–1830 James Thompson, Earl John Chapman & Ian Macpherson McCulloch (editors) Gentleman Volunteer, 1733–1830 s a young grenadier serving in His Majesty’s 78th Regiment of Foot (Fraser’s Highlanders), Sergeant James Thompson took part in the A capture of in 1758, the battle of the Plains of Abraham at in 1759 and the battle of Sillery the following year. Later he expe- rienced the American blockade of Quebec by Generals Richard Montgomery and Benedict Arnold during the Revolutionary War. Thompson remained in Quebec the rest of his long life, and in his work with the engineers’ department he was involved in the construction of the temporary Citadel and improvements to the fortifications. His collected anec- dotes form one of the most interesting personal accounts of soldiering during the Seven Years’ War, and his journal offers an authentic first-hand view of life in Quebec in the years that followed. An astute observer with an eye for a hu- morous story, by the time he reached old age he was sought out by governors general and royalty to recount his stories of earlier times. In this book, editors Earl Chapman and Ian McCulloch not only pres- ent Thompson’s anecdotes in one volume for the first time (including newly Edited by Earl John Chapman & Ian Macpherson McCulloch discovered anecdotes never before published), but they also present a wealth of explanation and historical background that helps to bring the period to life and places Thompson’s experiences in context. n the course of his short but adventurous military career, Thompson “Imet , who addressed him as ‘Brother Soldier,’ at the This book is published in collaboration with the Stewart Museum of Louisbourg, carried a wounded French soldier to an aid station (The Fort, Île-Ste-Hélène, ) and the 78th Fraser Highlanders. after the Battle of the Plains of Abraham, and kept the sword of the com- mander of the American assault on as a souvenir. Striking as Contents they are, these are just three examples of a cascade of sparkling vignettes Foreword : Dr. D. Peter MacLeod, Canadian War Museum covering crime, scandal, valour, victory, defeat, honour, humour, a pet Preface: James Thompson and the Letter-books puppy and day-to-day life as a soldier.” From the foreword by Peter ­MacLeod,­ Historian, Pre-Confederation, Canadian War Museum. PART 1: A “Brother Soldier…” James Thompson and the Wolfe Legacy PART 2: “Whack went the Broadsword!” The Reminiscences “In the rich and colourful memoirs of James Thompson we hear the of Sergeant James Thompson authentic voice of a Highland veteran of Wolfe’s army. Enhanced here by 1 Raised for Overseas Service, 1757 expert editorial notes, Thompson’s unique ‘oral history’ of the campaigns 2 Winter Quarters, Connecticut Colony, 1757-58 that decided the destiny of North America will undoubtedly appeal to 3 The Siege and Capture of Louisbourg, 1758 specialists and general readers alike.” Dr. Stephen Brumwell, award-win- 4 Winter Quarters, New York Colony, 1758-59 ning author of Paths of Glory: The Life and Death of General James Wolfe. 5 The Siege and Battle for Quebec, 1759 6 Winter Garrison and the Battle of Sillery, 1759-60 7 The Reduction of Montreal, 1760 Earl John Chapman of Montreal is a member of the history and heritage 8 Garrisoning the St. Lawrence, 1760-63 committee of ’s Black Watch and has written several books on the 9 The American Revolution and , 1775-76 regiment’s early years. He is also historian of the 78th Fraser Highlanders, a 10 Miscellanea. ceremonial regiment raised in 1965 by Montreal’s David M. Stewart Museum to perpetuate the history of the old 78th Regiment of Foot. He was the 2008 PART 3: Biographical Notes recipient of the prestigious Gordon Atkinson Memorial Prize in Highland Mili- Appendices, Bibliography, Index tary History, awarded annually by the Quebec Thistle Council. Ian Macpherson McCulloch, a native of Halifax, is a Canadian Forces 388 pages • 6.75 x 9.75 inches • more than 100 illustrations • appendices, who has served in a variety of regimental and staff appointments in Canada, notes, index • October 15, 2010 the U.S.A. and Germany. Lt Col McCulloch is on the Directing Staff of the Paperback • 978-1-896941-62-2 • Canada $34.95 / U.S.A. $37.95 Canadian Forces College in Toronto and is a military historian specializing in Signed hardcover limited edition • 978-1-896941-63-9 • Canada $59.95 / the Seven Years’ War in North America. He has published numerous articles U.S.A. $67.95 and has written or contributed to several books, the most recent being Sons of the Mountains: A History of the Highland Regiments in North America, 1756- Distributed to the book trade in Canada by Jaguar Book Group (Fraser Direct) 1767 Highlander in the French-Indian War, 1756-1767 Distributed to the book trade in the U.S.A. by Midpoint Trade Books and . He too won the Distributed to the book trade in the U.K. (paperback only) by Gazelle Book Services. Gordon Atkinson Memorial Prize in Highland Military History, in 2009.

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